Photographic article for making a one step transfer image



Feb. 16, 1954 E. H. LAND PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTICLE FOR MAKING A ONE STEP TRANSFER IMAGE Original Filed Nov. 5, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. 16, 1954 LAND 2,669,516

PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTICLE FOR MAKINGA ONE STEP TRANSFER IMAGE Original Filed Nov. 5, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 'lllll Image Carrying Layer W Phofosensifive Layer INV TOR E. H. LAND Feb. 16, 1954 PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTICLE FOR MAKING A ONE STEP TRANSFER IMAGE 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed Nov. 5, 1946 FIG E. H. LAND 2,669,516 PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTICLE FOR MAKING A ONE STEP TRANSFER IMAGE Feb. 16, 1954 4 Sheets-Shed 4 Original Filed Nov. 5, 1946 INVENTOR m 0 O 0 4 w 4 8 m a w o fiWMWH ll 'U n$ F 4 o 3 3 8 W F Patented Feb. 16, 1954 PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTICLE FOR MAKING A ONE STEP TRANSFER IMAGE Edwin H. Land, Cambridge, Mass, assignor to Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass., a corporation of Delaware Original application November 5, 1946, Serial No.

707,966. Divided and this application Decemher 21, 1949, Serial No. 134,153

18 Claims. 1

This invention relates to photography and more particularly to novel photographic film assemblages.

This application is a division of my copending application Serial No. 707,966, filed November 5, 1946, for Photographic Product (now Patent No. 2,495,111, issued January 17, 1950).

It is one object of the present invention to provide a novel photographic film assemblage of the type comprising a photosensitive layer, another layer and a container having therein a liquid composition, the components of the assemblage being slidably associated with one another and so arranged that said layers may be stored in different parts of a housing and, by a simple pulling operation, one of the layers may be moved into a predetermined processing relationship with the container and the other layer.

This and other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: V

Figure 1 is an exaggerated schematic partially cross-sectional view of a preferred modification of the invention showing its relationship to a camera;

Fig. 2 is an exaggerated diagrammatic fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the novel photographic film assemblage of the above type showing the relationship of the elements thereof during the use of the invention;

Fig. 3 is an exaggerated diagrammatic sectional view of another modification of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a front view of a modification of the invention shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional exag-- gerated view of another modification of the invention where the containers are mounted in staggered relationship to each other;

6 is a fragmentary diagrammatic crossseotional exaggerated view of still another modification of the invention;

Fig. 7 is a front view of the modification of the invention. shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary diagrammatic crosssectional exaggerated view of still another modification of the invention;

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic fragmentary crosssectional view of a modified withdrawal opening contemplated by the present invention; and

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of another type of withdrawal opening.

In general this application relates to photographic products comprising one or more novel photographic film assemblages of the type which includes a photosensitive layer, another layer, and means releasably confining a liquid composition. In a preferred form of the invention, the liquid composition is preferably carried by a collapsible container and preferably includes a reagent capable of performing a desired pro cessing ofsaid assemblage ,by reaction with at least said photosensitive layer. The photosensitive layer is preferably the kind which may have produced therein a developable latent image, by exposure to actinic light, and the reagent preferably comprises a developer capable of developing said latent image.

The several layers of each assemblage are preferably slidably positioned within said magazine and have, in their stored position in a magazine, a relationship permitting exposure of said photosensitive layer, and said layers, in another position in said magazine, have a relationship permitting processing of said assemblage with said container in position to discharge said liquid composition between said layers.

The magazine preferably comprises means defining a plurality of withdrawal openings from said magazine, there being one withdrawal opening for each film assemblage, a portion of each of said film assemblages extends through its associated withdrawal opening, and means are associated with each of said withdrawal openings for releasing said liquid from said container as said film assemblage is withdrawn from said magazine.

Referring now to the preferred modification of the invention shown in Fig. 1, there is provided a housing, or magazine, generally indicated at l6, and a plurality of photographic assemblages, each of said assemblages comprising a photosensitive layer 3ll, another layer 34, and a container 4B. These layers are normally stored in the magazine so that the layers of the assemblage have an exposure relationship, i. e., one permitting exposure of the photosensitive layer 39. When the layers are in this exposure relationship the photosensitive layer 30 is preferably positioned so as to be facing an exposure opening in the magazine. The other layer 34 is preferably positioned in another portion of the magazine so that it will not interfere with the exposure of the photosensitive layer to actinic light.

When the layers of the assemblage are in their proper relationship for processing of the assemblage, the two layers of the assemblage are preferably in face-to-face parallel relationship and the container is .positionedso as to. discharge its liquid between the adjacent'faces of these layers. In order that the layers of the assemblage may be positioned in this processing relationship, one of the layers is preferably provided with a leader or extension thereof. This leader 32 preferably extends to the outside of the housing or magazine it, where it may be grasped by the user of a camera to cause a.move ment of its associated layer from the position occupied by this layer when the layers are in their exposure relationship to the position occupied by this layer when the layers are in their processing relationship. During this movement of one layer, the other layer is preferablyheld stationary as by friction. This leader 32 is preferably connected to the photosensitive layer 3!) and so related to the other. layer 34 that after a predetermined movement of the leader, the other layer is engaged and moved along with the photosensitive layer.

The container 48 for the liquid is preferably one which can, by the application of a mechanical stress theretmbe caused to release its contained liquid. A preferred type of container is one formed so that a mechanical stress applied thereto will cause one edge of the container to be opened to release the liquid from this edge. The container preferably extends transversely of the assemblage andihas a relatively short. longitudinal dimension with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the assemblage. Apreferred container is formed of a singlesheet of material which is impervious to the.li quid. .The sheet is folded upon itself .and sealed on the ends and along the edge opposite '.the.fold,-the.end seals being preferably stronger than the-edge seal, The container is preferably stored in the. magazine and is operatively associated withona of the layers, this layer preferably beinga layer other than the photosensitive layer, andthe container being preferably adhesively secured thereto.

The processing of the-film assemblage may be accomplished by releasing the liquid from-the container ltl, bythe application of .a. mechanical stress thereto, as the film assemblage is held stationary, or preferably hymovingthe assemblage past a portion of the magazine adapted to apply a mechanical forcelto said assemblage .as said assemblage moves with respect to-thisportion. The released liquid is also preferablyspread by this portion of the magazine, duringthe processing movement, in a uniform thin layerbetween the photosensitive layer 30.. and theother layer- 34 so as to effect theuniform permeation of at least the photosensitive layer 30 bylthe liquid.

The processing portion of the magazine It preferably comprises means 32, defining a withdrawal or discharge opening therefrom. In .the preferred modification of the invention there are provided a plurality of such assemblages and the magazine is preferably provided with a plurality of means defining a plurality of withdrawal openings, through which the assemblages are adapted to be withdrawn, there being one-opening for each assemblage. The means 32 defining a withdrawal opening preferably apply a mechanical stress to the assemblage, as it is withdrawn therethrough by its associated leader, this-stress acting to 'release the liquidfromthe container and to-sprea'd the liquid throughout a predetermined portion of holder indicated at l2.

4 the film assemblage to cause the processing thereof.

It is desirable that means defining the withdrawal opening from the magazine have a fourfold function. .It should. act as. a light seal. It shouldbe capable of releasing the liquid from the container. It should be able to spread the liquid uniformly. It should act to wipe the excess liquid from the film unit and trap this excess within the magazine. For the purposes of compactness of magazine construction, the above functions are preferably combined in a single .coacting pair of members defining the withdrawal opening. However it is possible to provide a plurality of elements for accomplishing these functions without departing from the scope of the invention. .As an example, there may be a means for releasing the liquid, a means for spreading the liquid and a means for forming a light seal, all of these means being separate cooperating elements associated vwith the means defining the opening.

In Fig. 1, there is also shown a schematic representation of a camera It, having a magazine In the rear of the camera there isprovided a cover M, which may be removed to permit introduction of one of the novel magazines H5 into the magazine holder. This magazine comprises a frontportion i8 and a rear portion 20. Dividing these two portions is a wall 22. In the front wall-of the magazine there is provided an exposure opening 24, which permits exposure of the photosensitive layer 36,- positioned at the front of the magazine. At the bottom rear portion of the -magazine there is provided an opening25.

.A portion of voneof the photographic assemblages is alsoshown in Fig. 2 where like numbers correspond to-like elements of Fig. 1. In Fig. 2 the photosensitive layerhas beenmovedto such an extent that the layers are almost in their processingrelationship. Consideration of Fig. 2 along vvithFig.v lis helpful in an understanding of theinvention. .As can be seen from Fig. 1, these photosensitive layers 30 are staclzed in parallel relationship in the front portion of the magazine, the foremost of these layers being in registry with the exposure opening 24 so that it may be exposed by operating the usual camera shutter. Behind the stack of the photosensitive layers there ispreferably provided a backing plate 23 and a spring. 2! to hold the foremost photosensitivelayer flat in the focal plane of the camera.

From the topedge of the photosensitive layer 30 there extends the leader 32, which may be an integral portion of the photosensitive layer, as shown in Fig. 2, or which may be a strip of paper or cloth secured to either the front or back top edgeofthe photosensitive layer. This leader 32 extends into the rear portion of the magazine through the whole length thereof and out through the opening 25 in the bottom of the magazine. Theleader 32 is preferably made narrower than the photosensitivelayer so as to provide a shoulder 3| (shown in Fig. 2) at the junction between theleader and the photosensitive layer.

Positioned in the rear portion of the magazine are a plurality of the other layers 35. In the preferred form of the film assemblage this other layer 34 is adapted to receive and carry a positive image of the latent negative image in the photosensitive layer and is referred to hereinafter as an image-carrying layer. It is desirable to limit the amount of movement of the photosensitive layer with respect to the other (image-carrying) layer 34 so that when the photosensitive layer is moved from its exposure relationship to its processing relationship, no further relative movement of these layers is permitted. For this purpose, there is provided a means associated with the image-carrying layer 35 adapted to engage a means associated with the leader 32 orthe photosensitive layer 30. In a preferred way of form.- ing the means on the image-carrying layer, the bottom edge thereof is bent back upon itself and there is provided a slit 38 (shown more clearly in Fig. 2) sufiiciently wide to permit the leader 32 to pass therethrough but not sufficiently wide to permit the photosensitive layer 30 to pass therethrough. The engaging means associated with the leader or photosensitive layer preferably comprises the shoulder 3| at the junction between the photosensitive layer 30 and leader 32.

In the bottom rear portion of the magazine there are provided the plurality of means defining withdrawal openings, which may be made in a number of ways and from a wide variety of materials. They can be formed of metal strips which can be placed under tension. They can be made of a metal stamping having springy tongues adapted to engage opposite outer surfaces of the composite film assemblage. In the preferred modification shown, they comprise a strip of metal 42 having a layer of a compressible lightseal material, such as felt M, on each side thereof. Numerous materials other than felt, such as velvet or bristles, can be utilized as a light seal. In some cases the felt or velvet may serve only a light-seal function, while in other cases it may serve the function of breaking the container, spreading the liquid, and trapping the excess liquid. As can be seen from Fig. 1, each leader 32 extends between a pair of these felt-covered metal strips, these strips defining an opening which is preferably slightly smaller than the combined thickness of an image-carrying layer, a container, and a photosensitive layer. These openings serve the function. of permitting the Withdrawal of the film units from the magazine, the felt M acts to prevent the access of light to the interior of the magazine, and the means 42-44 act to release the liquid composition from the containers, spread this liquid between the photosensitive layer and the image-carrying layer, and trap any excess liquid within the magazine.

In a preferred modification of the invention the photosensitive layer 33 is formed of a photosensitive silver halide such as an emulsion of a silver halide, or a mixed silver halide, or a silver mixed halide. This emulsion is preferably coated on an opaque paper base, which is relatively cheap, and may have an integral extension constituting the leader 32. In this way it is relatively simple to manufacture a one-piece combination photosensitive layer and leader. It is possible, however. to coat the photosensitive emulsion upon a suitable base material such as cloth, paper, or cel1ulosic plastic, or other materials suitablefor carrying photosensitive mulsion. In these latter instances the base which carries the photosensitive emulsion may or may not be integral with the leader 32. This leader may be made of paper, cloth, or cellulosic plastic, or other materials having sufficient tensile strength to permit the use of the leader for withdrawing the photosensitive layer from the forward part of the magazine to the rear part of the magazine, and for withdrawing the film assemblage through the withdrawal opening. In some cases it is desirable to coat the back surface of the base for the photosensitive 61 layer with waxor other'material capable of imparting to this surface an anti-friction surface, thus permitting easier withdrawal of the photosensitive layer from the forward portion of the magazine.

The image-carrying layer 34 preferably comprises a sheet of opaque white paper known in the art as baryta paper, which preferably has either an opaque black paper backing or is treated on the back side thereof with a black coating to increase its opacity to actinic light; While baryta paper is a preferred material for the imagecarrying layer, many other materials can be used. It can be made of paper, gelatin, regenerated cellulose, polyhydroxy alkanes such as polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, certain of the cellulose ethers, such as methyl cellulose and their deriva tives such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, carbohydrates such as gums or starch, and mixtures of these materials wher 'the latter are compatible. Where this image-carrying layer is formed of transparent plastics of the general type mentioned above, the plastics may be coated on a paper base or may be so treated that the surface to be positioned adjacent the photosensitive layer appears white by reflected light. They'are also preferably provided with a backing which is opaque to actinic light. The portion 35 is preferably formed integrally with the image-carrying layer 34 and is bent upwardly during the process of manufacture. The slit 38 in the bent portion 36 is preferably formed so as to be just wide enough to permit the passage of the leader 32 therethrough. In some cases, particularly where the image carrying layer 34 and upwardly bent tab 36 are formed of relatively thin paper, it has been found desirable to reinforce this portion of the image-carrying layer and also to reinforce the edges of the slit 38'by' the use of cloth, paper, or metal inserts which prevent tearing thereof. In this connection it is also sometimes desirable to reinforce the junction between the shoulder 3| on the photosensitive layer 30 and the leader 32. The liquid container 40 is preferably formed of a paper-backed metal foil, coated on the inner surface thereof with a resin such as polyvinyl butyral which is inert to alkalis.

The liquid composition in the container Ml preferably comprises a developer such as hydroquinone, a preservative such as sodium sulfite. a film-forming substance such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, a silver halide solvent such as sodium thiosulfate, an alkali such as sodium hydroxide, and a suhicient quantity of water to carry the above-mentioned elements in solution. The magazine may be formed of metal, cardboard, or molded plastic. It is preferably of sufficient rigidity so that it may be handled as a unit, and should be opaque to actinic light; In the preferred method of assembly of the abovementioned film elements and magazine, the desired number of photosensitive layers 38, with their associated leaders 32, are placed in the forward portion of the magazine, the leaders extending to the rear portion. The foremost leader is then threaded through the slit 38 in the foremost image-carrying layer and is placed adjacent one of the felt-covered strips 42-44, the leader extending through the opening 26. Another strip 4244 is placed adjacent the first leader, the next leader is threaded througha slit 38 in itsassm ciated image-carrying layer, and is then placed next to the last-mentioned strip 42-44. Another strip 4244 is then placed next to'this leader and 7 the film pack is thus built up until the desired number of image-carrying layers have been placed therein. The rear wall 20 of the magazine is then placed in position and the magazine is ready for use. A spring element (not shown) may be placed between the last strip 42- 54 and the wall of the magazine.

In the use of the preferred modification of the invention, which has been described in connection with the discussion of Figs. 1 and 2 above, the foremost photosensitive layer 30 in the magazine is exposed to actinic light by suitably operating the shutter mechanism of the camera ii]. The user of the camera then engages that portion of the leader 32, associated with this'foremost photosensitive layer, which extends through the bottom of the'magazine. By pulling this leader, the photosensitive layer 3% is pulled upwardly and over the wall 22 separating the two portions of the magazine, and moved to the rear of the rear portion and downwardly in this rear portion. As the photosensitive layer 36 moves downwardly adjacent the image-carrying layer 34, positioned in the rear of the magazine, it can be seen that the surface of the photosensitive layer which was closest to the camera lens is now adjacent the inner surface of the image-carrying layer 34.

Fig. '2 shows the photosensitive layer 30 in aposition where it has been moved from the front of the magazine to the rear portion and is moving downwardly in this rear portion. When the leader 32 is pulled downwardly somewhat more than is shown in Fig. 2, the shoulder 3! on the photosensitive layer engages the edgesof the slit 38 and prevents further relative movement of the photosensitive layer 30 with respect to the imagecarrying layer 34. Therefore, further movement of the leader32 moves the whole film assemblage, comprising the image-carrying layer 34, the container 40, and the photosensitive layer 36, into and through the opening defined by the means comprising the pair of strips 42-4-4. As this film assemblage is pulled through this opening, the pressure on the container 48 increases to such an extent that the liquid contained therein is forced from the container and isdischarged between the photosensitive layer 30 and the image-carrying layer 34. Further movement of the assemblage through the opening causes the strips 4244 to spread this liquid composition in a uniform thin layer between the photosensitive layer and the image-carrying layer. As the assemblage is pulled completely through the opening, any liquid which is still being spread is wiped off the end of the composite assemblage and adheres to the strips 42-M. As a result of this spreading process, the image-carrying layer by the viscous-liquid composition. Since these two layers are preferably opaque to actinic light, at least on the outer surface thereof, no light can penetrate to the inner photosensitive surface. Therefore, this composite lamination may be pulled from the camera directly into daylight and the photographic process maycontinue unhampered by the presence of actinic light.

When the liquid layerexists between the exposed photosensit've layer and the image-carrying layer, the developer therein develops the exposed photosensitive material, the silver halide solvent forms soluble silver complexes with the undeveloped silver halide and transfers these soluble complexes tothe surfaceiof theimagecarrying layer-wherethey'areiconverted to insoluble colloidal'particles by reaction with unthe photosensitive layer is laminated to' used portions of'the developer. After this process of positive image-formation is completed, the photosensitive layer is preferably stripped from the image-carrying layer to reveal the final positive image. This processing may require any where from a few seconds to several minutes, depending upon the chemical constituents involved.

There is thus provided a novel magazine with novel film assemblages, adaptable for use with a standard camera, which permits the production, in a preferred form of said assemblage, of a positive image of a subject image toward which said camera is directed. As can be seen, this invention provides substantially dry development which is accomplished by a single simple operation. No baths are needed and no special camera or developing apparatus is required. Any excess of the viscous liquid composition is wiped from the film unit by the means defining the withdrawal opening and is trapped within the disposable magazine.

While the above description of the invention has been limited to the preferred modification 1 thereof, the present invention is capable of considerable variations within the broad scope thereof. In connection with the construction of the magazine, a preferred form has been shown wherein the means which define the withdrawal openings are positioned in the bottom of the rear portion thereof. It is contemplated that these withdrawal openings may be positioned at the top of the magazine, such construction depending upon the particular type of camera with which the magazine is to be used. In either case,

the operation of the withdrawal openings is the same.

There are many other modifications possible for the means defining these withdrawal openlugs, and it is possible to provide a single withdrawal opening through which all of the leaders 32 are threaded. This modification is not as desirable as the one shown in Fig. 1, since a considerable unit area of pressure is required for releasing the liquid composition from the container, and this pressure, in some cases, may be suificiently high so as to create a considerable friction between the film element passing through the withdrawal opening and adjacent leaders extending through the opening. This friction may be sufficient to cause a movement of these other leaders. Such a modification of the invention is feasible, however, particularly where means are provided for increasing the resistance to withdrawal of the photosensitive layers from the forward portion of the magazine. Such a means can be a pin extending through a weakened portion in the lower edge of the photosensitive layers.

Another modification of the invention contemplates the breaking of the container and the spreading of the liquid solely by closely spaced metal members which may or may not have a certain flexibility. It is also contemplated in another modification of the invention to provide a separate pull cord capable of ripping open the container. Such a cord can be pulled from outside the magazine or may be pulled as the result of movement of one or more of the elements of the film unit.

Since the novel magazine described above is preferably sold as a unit for insertion in a camera, it is preferred to provide a cover sheet which is positioned in front of the foremost photosensitive'layer 3ilfor the purpose of preventing access of actinic light to the photosensitive layers when this magazine is handled in daylight. Such a layer is not shown but may be easily provided by placing an opaque piece of paper in front of the foremost layer 3:? within the magazine. Preferably attached to this opaque layer is a leader similar to the leaders 32, so that this cover sheet may be withdrawn from the magazine after the magazine has been inserted in the camera.

While the film assemblage has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment thereof, numerous other photosensitive materials may be utilized. The photosensitive layer may comprise a photosensitive material other than a silver halide and developers other than those mentioned above may be advantageously employed. It is also possible to utilize in the present invention processes wherein it is not desired to obtain a positive image. In such a case the liquid composition in the container it may comprise materials for developing or developing and fixing a negative with no emphasis on producing a positive image at the same time.

It is also possible to utilize transfer processes for forming a visible image on the image-carrying layer other than those discussed above. For instance, it is feasible to utilize a liquid composition which include no silver halide solvent and to include on the image-carrying layer a substance capable of forming a positive image by reaction with unreacted portions of a developer utilized for developing the latent negative image in the photosensitive layer. This substance may be an oxidizing agent which is capable of oxidizing portions of the developer which are unoxidized by reaction with the photosensitive material in the negative photosensitive layer. If the developer is a color-forming developer, a positive image in terms of oxidized developer is obtained upon the image-carrying layer. It is equally possible to use a reducible metal salt on the image-carrying layer, this salt being selectively reduced to form a positive image by unreacted portions of the developer. In both of the above methods it is desirable to provide some means for positively assuring selective reaction of the developer before the developer is made available for the positive image-forming reaction. A satisfactory means of accomplishing this purpose is the provision of a slowly permeable layer coated on the surface of the image-carrying layer.

The invention has been described in connection with the use of a liquid composition which includes all of the elements necessary to process the film unit. This liquid composition may, however, include only water or an aqueous solution of a film-forming material, and the other substances, such as hydroquinone, hypo, etc., may be coated in solid form on the image-carrying layer where they can be subsequently dissolved as the liquid composition is spread in contact with the image-carrying layer. It is also possible to include some of the active ingredients in the liquid composition and to coat other of the active ingredients on the image-carrying layer, all of these modifications being within the scope of the present invention.

In some cases it is desirable to leave a portion of the film unit between the means defining the withdrawal opening from the magazine. This is desirable in those cases wherein the rigidity of the means defining the opening is obtained partially from the casing of the maga-' by the shoulders.

zine, that is, in those cases where the means defining the openings are in themselves quite flexible and their rigidity is obtained by being stacked in the opening of the magazine. In the modification of Fig. 1, the various leaders extending through the withdrawal openings add a certain bulk to the total thickness of the feltcovered strips defining these openings and resist any bending movement which might occur due to the passage of a film assemblage between an adjacent pair of felt-covered strips. If, during the processing, most of these leaders are removed, the effective pressure which can be applied to the last few film assemblages may be decreased. It is contemplated therefore to leave within the withdrawal opening a member having substantially the same thickness and compressibility as the leader 32 for the purpose of maintaining this structural rigidity. Such a member may be a portion of or attached to either the photosensitive layer or the image-carrying layer. This feature of the invention is shown at the top of Fig. 2 wherein there is shown a member 56 which may be assumed to be the topmost portion of the image-carrying layer 34. As can be seen, this member 50 has transversely extending shoulders 48 which impart to this member 50 a greater transverse dimension than the remainder thereof. When these shoulders are moved to the withdrawal openings, they cannot pass completely therethrough since the exit from the withdrawal opening, in this case, is made narrower than the total transverse dimension of that portion of the member 553 encompassed Therefore, this portion 48 of the member 50 is held within the withdrawal opening and may be separated from the remainder of the assemblage by tearing along a weakened portion diagrammatically shown at 52. This member 50 may be, as mentioned above, either a portion of the image-carrying layer 34 or a portion of the photosensitive layer 3E], or may be a separate member attached to one or the other of these two layers. It preferably has substantially the same thickness and compressibility as the leader 32 so that, as the individual film assemblages are withdrawn, the unused withdrawal openings neither gain nor lose their effective size or structural rigidity. This modification of the invention may also have utility in preventing loss of light seal value of a compressible material such as felt due to its taking a permanent set under prolonged compression.

It is of course apparent that if the means defining the opening, such as the felt-covered strips 424d, have in themselves sufficient rigidity and do not depend upon the rigidity of the magazine walls, such a modification of the composite film unit is not necessary.

In another modification of the invention, a somewhat similar magazine is employed, the photosensitive layers being situated in the front portion and the image-carrying layers being in the rear portion thereof. In this case, however, the leaders are connected to the image-carrying layers and are slidably joined to the photosensitive layers. In this modification, the containers are preferably associated with the photosensitive layers. Since, in practicing the invention it is desirable to contact the liquid with the surface of the photosensitive emulsion which is first exposed to light, it is desirable to have the leader adjacent that surface of the photosensitive layer which is nearest the camera lens. This leader, therefore, should either be transparent, to pershown schematically and diagrammatically in,

Eig s. .3 and 4. In these, figures, Fig. 3 is an exaggerated cross-sectional view of a magazine embodying anumber of film assemblages showing this modification of the invention, while Fig.

4, is afrontview of one of the assemblages showing inmore detail-one modification of the leader which may be utilized for accomplishing the purpose, of, the invention. In Fig. 3 there is schematically; represented a camera 54 having a ma azine holder 55: containing a magazine, generally represented, ,by numeral 58. This magai e has. a r ar portion 51 and a fron p io 59,,witha wall fil, diyidingthoseportions. Positioned in the frontportion. of the magazine are aplurality of photosensitive layers .60 having a. bottom ,tah' portion 66 in which there is provided a, s1it. .68, shownmore clearly in Fig. 4:. In. the rear .porticnof the magazine there are provided a. plnralityof ima ercarryins l y r .62; w c havermmcted tothe p d e her of l ad rs 6A,, Each.oftheseleaders 64 may beasheet of transparent plastic such as a sheet of cellulose acetate. extendin throu h th l t 8 n t e tab 66. of, the phot sensi ive layer... or, he a er may compriseapair of leaders v(as shown; in. Fig. formed. of paper, cloth, or. o her. material a tending-throu hthe, slit, or pairjof slits 68, in the tab fi6 In 4 the leader 6.4 is, shown as having movedthe image-carrying, layer 62 partially from the. rear portion of. the, m a ine. On. the lower foremost surfaceof each photosensitive l yerthere is. preferablyprovided. a .c n ainer. 10 having. therein aliquidcomposition. This container. may be. secured; to. the photosensitive layers, such as. by .the use of, suitable adhesives.

- The leaderfi i extends between meansAZ-M defining awithdrawalopening.

Ina preferred modification of the invention shown. inFigs. Bland 4, the vent-ions elements may be formed of materialsstated asbein prefe ab fonlike elements. of the embodiment, of the winvention shown inFigs. 1 and 2 In the use of .the modification of theinvention. shown in Figs. 3 and. 4, thephotosensitive layer 6011s exposed to a, subject, image by operating' theshutter of the camera 54, The leader 6.41... associated with. the. foremost, photosensitive layer, is then, withdrawnhby the user of the camera, thus moving the image-carrying layer irom..the.rear. portion of the magazine to the front portion, and in, face-to-face engagement withthe photosensitive layer 60. Further movementof the leader as brings the image-carrying layer into engagement with the edges ofthe slit 68.;and causes the photosensitive layer, the container, andimage-carrying layer to move downwardly and, through the means defining the opening; for thepurpose of processing the film assemblage.

Theprocessing of this type of film assemblage. issimilar to that mentioned in, connection with the discussion of Figs. 1 and 2. The movement of the film assemblage through the means defining the opening. acts to release the. ilquid composition from the container and to spread itv ina uniform thin layer=between the. image-carrying layer and the photosensitive layer. As previously described, this layerof liquid composition develops the latent negative image and produces a positive image on thesurface of the imagecarrying layer. After a predetermined time. for the above processing to be completed, the photosensitive layer is stripped from the image-carry;- ing layer so as to reveal the positive image.

Another modification of the invention, which is similar to that of Figs. 1 and 2 wherein the leaders are fixedly connected: to the photosensitive layers, is shown in Fig.5. This modification contemplates the use of containers which are staggered with relationship to each other in the rear portion of the magazine. This arrangement permits a thinner rear portion for the magazine, since the thickness of the various containers may be uniformly distributed throughout the, whole length of the magazine rather than in one portion thereof. In this case each leader is preferably slidably connected to its associated container and each container is slidably mounted with respect to its associated image-carrying layer. The leader is also preferably slidably connected to the image-carrying layer.

In Fig. 5, where like numbers correspond to like elements of Figs. 1 and 2, there is provided the usual supply of photosensitive layers 30; in the front portion, of the magazine. The photosensitive layers 38 are provided with a leader 32 which extends to the rear portion of the magazinc and through a slit 38 in a tab 36 on the bottom portion of the image-carrying layer 34. As can be seen, there are a plurality of containers 80, provided in the rear portion of the magazine, these containers being staggered with respect to each other. These containers may be secured very lightly, if, desired, to their respective imagecarrying layers. but such is not essential, the pressure of the various materials in the rear portion being ordinarily sufiicient to hold these containers in their staggered positions. Each container has a tab 82 on a lower portion thereof, this tab having a slit84 therein. The leader 32 is threaded through, theslit 84 in the tab 82 and also extends through the slit 38 in the tab 36 of the image-carrying layer. Many materials are usable for these various elementsof the film unit described above and. are generally the same as those mentionedin connection with the description of corresponding elements in Figs. 1 and 2.

In the use of the invention shown in Fig. 5, the foremost photosensitive layer 39 is exposed to actinic light. The correspondingleader 32v is then pulled downwardly from the magazine, and, as a result of this movement, the photosensitive layer 30 is withdrawn fromthe forward portion of the magazine to the rear portion. As the shoulder 3| on the photosensitive laycrmoves downwardly in this rear portion, it first engages the edges of the slit 84, associated with the container 80, and moves the container 80 downwardly along with it. The container and the shoulder 3| then engage the edges of the slit 38 in the tab 36 of the image-carrying layer, and thereafter the image-carrying layer movesas a unit with the photosensitive layer 30 and the container 80. These elements are pulled through themeans defining the opening of the bottom. of the magazine, thus releasing the liquid composition from the container 80 and spreading it in a uniform thin layer between theimage-carrying layer 34 and the photosensitive layer 30} to accomplish the development of the latent negative image and the production of the positive image on the surface of the image-carrying layer.

While the above modifications of the invention have been described in connection with the preferred forms thereof, it is equally possible to provide a plurality of the novel film elements in a type of magazine which is not equipped with means at the withdrawn point thereof for processing the film unit. In such a case the opening or openings may be so designed as only to form a light seal therefrom, and may not have such rigidity, with respect to the releasability of the liquid from the container, as to release this liquid when the film assemblage is withdrawn from the magazine. In such a case, the camera is preferably provided with means for applying a mechanical stress to the film assemblage. Such a means may comprise a pair of pressure rollers through which the individual leaders may be fed, or may comprise a pair of pressure plates or a pair of felt-covered metal members, similar to those shown in the previous modification of the invention. This type of construction is perfectly feasible, but is not preferred, due to the fact that it usually requires an excess of paper within the film assemblage to provide for some trapping of the excess liquid composition; otherwise, the pressure-applying means, if permanently attached to the camera, might become filled up with the excess liquid composition, thereby interfering with the uniform spreading of the liquid composition in the subsequent film assemblages.

In some cases it may be desirable to utilize transparent photosensitive layers, such as those ordinarily sold in the form of cut film, wherein the photosensitive emulsion is cast onto a transparent cellulosic film base, such as cellulose acetate. In such a modification of the invention it is desirable to provide some means for preventing the light used to expose the foremost photosensitive layer in the magazine from penetrating through that photosensitive layer to the photosensitive layers adjacent thereto. A preferred form of the invention for use with transparent photosensitive films is one wherein the leaders, utilized in drawing the photosensitive layers from the forward portion of the magazine to the rear portion of the magazine, also act as light-tight barriers between the various photosensitive layers. In such a case, each leader is slidably connected to its associated photosensitive layer so as to permit relative movement of the leader with respect to the photosensitive layer prior to the time when the photosensitive layer is engaged by the leader and moved to the rear portion of the magazine. Such a modification of the invention is shown in Figs. 6 and 7, Fig. 6 being a fragmentary diagrammatic sectional representation of this modification of the invention as applied to the invention described in connection with the discussion of Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. '7 is a fragmentary front view of the preferred form of the invention shown in Fig. 6,

In a preferred form of this modification, as shown in Fig. 6, where like numbers correspond to like elements in Figs. 1 and 2, there is provided the usual magazine It having an exposure opening 24. In the front portion of the magazine are a plurality of transparent photosensitive layers 38. In the rear portion of the magazine there are a plurality of image-carrying layers 34. These image-carrying layers have associated therewith a plurality of containers 40. Connecting the photosensitive layer with its associated imagecarrying layer is a leader 32. This leader 32 has associated with it a portion 33 which is adapted to be positioned adjacent the face of the photosensitive layer 36 and to exclude actinic light from this photosensitive layer. The leader 3233 is threaded through a slit 3! near the top edge of the photosensitive layer 38. On the trailing edge of the leader there is provided a pair of shoulders 35 which make the effective transverse dimension of the leader 33 wider than the slit 31'. In the rear bottom portion of the magazine there are provided the usual felt-covered strips 42--44 defining the withdrawal opening through which the leader 32 extends.

Since the processing of a photographic film assemblage of the type described above ordinarily requires a certain amount of time for its completion before the reaction can proceed in the presence of actinic light, it is desirable to provide a dark chamber, positioned at the exit from the magazine, so that the processing reaction may take place free from any actinic light which would tend to spoil the positive image. This dark chamber 21 may be furnished as either a portion of the magazine or as part of the camera. As can be seen, each leader extending through the opening from the magazine passes through the length of the dark chamber and is threaded through a light-tight opening 39 in the bottom of the dark chamber.

The materials utilized in the construction of the modification described above are preferably similar to those mentioned in connection with corresponding elements of the invention described previously in the discussion of Figs. 1 and 2.

The portion 32 of the leader 32-33 may be made considerably narrower than the portion 33, or may be composed of several strips. Instead of providing the tab 36, having the slit 38 therein, a staple, having sufficient width to straddle the leader 32-33, may be driven through the bottom portion of the image-carrying layer 34, and the leader 32 may be threaded through this staple. Any other suitable means for forming a slidable connection between leader 32-33 and the layers 34 and 36; may be equally provided.

In the use of this modification of the invention, when it is desired to expose the foremost photosensitive layer 3!) in the magazine, the leader, associated therewith, is pulled downwardly by grasping a portion thereof extendingfrom the dark chamber 2?. This leader is pulled until the shoulders 35 on the trailing edge thereof engage the edges of the slit 3? in the photosensitive layer 30. The photosensitive layer 30 is then exposed to a subject image and the leader is pulled downwardly again to move the photosensitive layer 30 from the forward portion of the magazine into engagement with the image-carrying layer 34. When the image-carrying layer, the container, and the photosensitive layer are positioned in their processing relationship by this movement of the photosensitive layer, the assemblage is moved through the opening defined by the felt-covered strips 42-44, and the liquid composition is released from the container 40 and spread between the photosensitive layer and the image-carrying layer. After the film assemblage has been left in the dark chamber 27 for a sufiicient time to permit the image-forming reaction to be completed, it is removed therefrom, either by continuing the pulling of the leader, with it associated assemblage, through the light-tight opening, .39, or by opening a door which may be provided in the dark chamber.

of pressure-applying members SI and. 83.

This: modification of thewinvention is: particularly adaptable for use in a copying-devicewherc nolensor shutter is involved. Inv such a use, an image to be copied may. be placed adjacent the exposure opening 24. The portion'33 of the leader is removedfrom'in front of the foremost photosensitive layer and this photosensitive layer is exposed to actinic light passing throughthe image to be copied. After a sufiicien't time for exposure, the source'of actinic light is blocked off and the film assemblage i processed as above.

While portion 33 of the leader 32 hasbeen shown as being positioned in front of its respective photosensitive layer, it is apparent that this leader may b positioned behind its associated photosensitive layer. In this case, the-leader 32 would not be moved prior to exposure of its associated photosensitive layer.

As mentioned previously, means may be provided, separate from the withdrawal openings, for releasing the liquid from the container. In this case thewithdrawal'opening may be used for spreading the released liquid and trapping it within the magazine. One preferred type of releasing means, separate from the spreading means, is shown in Fig. 8 wherelike numbers correspond to like elements in'Figs. l and In the modification shown in this figure there is pro vided, in addition to the pluralityofwithdrawal openings, a means for applying a mechanical stress to a container before the container reaches the withdrawal opening, In a preferred type of stress-applying means there are provided a pair of pressure plates, atleast one of which is movable towards the other for applying compression to a container positionedtherebetween.

In the modification of the invention shown in Fig. 8 which is a fragmentary sectional View, there is provided the usual magazine l8, having an opening 26in the bottom portion thereof.

Positioned within the opening 26 are a plurality of felt-covered strips 2 52- 34 defining a plurality of withdrawal openings therebetween. As canbe seen, leaders 32 extend between adjacent strips 42+. Positioned adjacent the withdrawal path of the film unit from the magazine are a pair In a preferred embodiment member 8i is fixed and member 83 ismovable toward member 8|. For

moving member 83a preferred means comprises an eccentric cam 85 which can be turned around pivot point 86 by means of a key or other device extending through the wall of the magazine.

In the use of the modification of the invention shown in Fig. 8, the leader 32 is pulled downwardly after exposure of the photosensitive layer 38. The leader is pulled a predetermined amount, which can be readily ascertained by an increase in resistance-to pulling and/or a mark on the leader. Thus the film assemblage may be moved to the position shown in Fig. 8 with the container between the two pressure-applying members 8|, 83. The user of the camera then operates the key or other device to cause the member 83 to move toward member 8!. This applies a sufficient pressure to release the liquid from the container in the direction of the space between the exposed portion of the photosensitive layer and the image-carryinglayer. The leader is then pulled again and the assemblage is withdrawn through the withdrawal opening where the released liquid-is spread in a uniform layer between layers 30 and 3 5.

In most of the preceding discussion of the invention'themeans for releasing the liquid composition has been shown as comprising the means defining the opening for withdrawal of the film unit and has comprised a pair of relatively fiat members defining a plane of withdrawal therebetween. This type of withdrawal opening is preferred in most cases, particularly wher the container for the liquid composition is so designed as to be readily ruptured as it is withdrawn through the opening. In some cases, however, it is desirable to provide the withdrawal opening in the form of a tortuous passage which is adapted to apply both a bendin and a compressive stress upon the container as it is withdrawn through this opening. Such a modification of the invention is shown in Figs. 9 and 10. As will be apparent from a study of these two figures, this modification of the invention may take a number of various forms.

Referring now to Fig. 9, where like numbers correspond to like elements of Fig. 1, there is shown a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a modification of the invention wherein a tortuous withdrawal opening is provided for the film assemblage as it leaves the magazine. In Fig. 9 there is shown a leader 32 adapted to be attached to a photosensitive layer, not shown, this leader running along the face of an image-carrying layer 3 and through a slit formed in the upturned bottom edge 33 of the image-carrying layer. There is also providedthe usual container 38 for the liquid composition. The means defining the withdrawal opening for each individual film assemblage comprise, in a preferred modification of this form of the invention, a pair of metal plates 93 bent around axes parallel to the transverse dimension of the container. As can be seen, these members define a tortuous passage which in itself affords considerable light seal to the opening, paiticularli when these metal members are treated so as to have a black nonreflecting surface thereon. For the additional purpose of providing more of a light seal, a strip 92 0f compressible material such as felt may be secured at the outer ends of these members 90. This felt strip S2 also aids in wiping any excess liquid composition from the sides and end of the filth assemblage as it is withdrawn therepast.

In the use of the modification or" the invention shown in Fig. 9, as the film assemblage moves through the withdrawal opening, a compressive and bending stress is applied to the container, thus releasing the sealed edges of the container so as to permit the liquid to be discharged therefrom and spread in a uniform thin film between the two layers of the film assemblage. Any excess liquid composition being spread in the film assemblage, as the ends thereof pass the felt strip 92, is wiped off the film assemblage by the felt, thus leaving the end and edges of the film assemblage clean when it is discharged from the magazine.

In forming a plurality of withdrawal openings by means of the members 90, it is desired that these members be so spaced that the distance therebetween is about the thickness of the film unit to be drawn therethrough at the container portions of the film assemblage, although where materials of the film assemblage are very flexible, it may be necessary to have a closer spacing for these members. It is also desirable that the adjacent curved surfaces of the two members should cross a plane drawn between the entrance and exit from the withdrawal opening so that a film assemblage drawn therethrough must be considerably deformed in its 'passage through this opening. This deformation of the film assemblage may, in itself, release the liquid from the container, or the pressure exerted on the container by the curved surface around which the film assemblage is deformed may increase the pressure within the film assemblage to such an extent that the liquid is released from the container. This pressure, of course, will depend to a certain extent upon the surface friction of the materials utilized in the film assemblage and the surface friction of the members 90, this pressure being low when the friction is low and high when the friction is high.

In the modification of the invention of Fig. 10 there is shown another form of the tortuous type of withdrawal opening described in connection with the discusssion of Fig. 9 above. In this modification of the invention, however, the withdrawal openings are defined by spaced rods which are so positioned, with respect to the plane of withdrawal movement, as to cause the film assemblage being withdrawn to depart from this plane and to be subjected to a bending stress around a pressure-applying point. Referring specifically to Fig. 10 where like numbers correspond to like elements of Figs. 1 and 9, there is provided the usual leader 32 which may be secured to a photosensitive layer, not shown. There is also provided an image-carrying layer 34 having an upturned portion 36 through which the leader 32 extends. The image-carrying layer also preferably has secured to its surface a container 40. For defining a tortuous withdrawal opening for the film assemblage there are provided a number of spaced rods I00, there being two rows of these rods I 00, an inner and an outer row, the film assemblage being adapted to pass between a pair of rods Hill in the inner row and also between a pair of rods H30 in the outer row. Positioned between the two rows of rods I is another row of rods I02. As can be seen, the rods I02 are positioned so as to intersect a plane drawn between matching pairs of rods in the inner and outer row For the purpose of furnishing a light seal to the above structure,

there is provided a light-seal coating such as felt to each of the outer rods. This coating is schematically shown at I04. This light seal )4 has the additional function, in some cases, of

acting as a trap for wiping excess liquid from the film assemblage as it passes therethrough.

In the use of the modification of the invention shown in Fig. 10, as the film assemblage is Withdrawn therethrough, it follows the curved path by the leader 32. Thus it is first bent around the middle rod I02, this rod exerting a high unit pressure upon the container 40 as the container passes thereby. The film unit is then bent in an opposite direction around the outer rod I00.

At this point, however, the liquid should have been released from the container by the pressure exerted by rod I02 and the second bending of the film unit primarily aids in the spreading of the liquid composition. The unit pressure applied to the released liquid by the rod I02 in most cases acts to spread this liquid as well as to release it. While the rods 102 have been shown preferably as cylindrical, they may assume a number of shapes. In some cases, where a high unit pressure is desired for releasing the liquid from the container, the point of contact between the rod and the film unit may be considerably sharpened so as to give this high concentration of pressure on the film assemblage.

The novel magazine has been shown as a complete housing, which. except for the exposure opening, is completely light-tight. This is a preferred form of magazine. However, the rear portions of the magazine may be considerably cut down so as to effect a saving of materials in manufacturing the magazine. In this case, the light-tightness may be supplied by the magazine holder on the camera. The magazine holder may also impart the necessary structural rigidity to the magazine, particularly at that portion containing the means defining the withdrawal openings.

While the various modifications of the invention have been described in their preferred forms, i. e., as novel magazines and film assemblages for insertion in a camera having a lens, it is contemplated that the invention may be employed in other devices having no lens or shutter.

Since certain changes may be made in the above product without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

l. A photographic product containing material, including a photographic reagent, for producing a transformation of an image in said product, said reagent being present in an amount sufficient to effect said transformation, said product comprising a first liquid-confining element including at least a photosensitive silver halide portion capable of having an image formed therein upon photoexposure, a second liquid-confining element, a rupturable containing means holding a liquid, said liquid being in an amount sufficient .for transforming an image in said photosensitive portion, and means, including a leader, connecting together said elements and said containing means, said elements, as connected, being so displaced relative to one another that said photo'- sensitive portion can be photoexposed without obstruction by said second element and said containing means is unable to release its liquid for spreading between said photosensitive portion and said second element, said leader extending slidably through an opening in one of said elements'and being so attached to the other of said elements as to draw the latter toward said one element when drawn through said opening so that said connecting means is capable of sliding said photosensitive portion into superposition with said second element and of locating said containing means for releasing its liquid content between said photosensitive portion and said second element, said liquid, upon permeation of said photosensitive element, rendering said transforming material effective to transform an image in said photosensitive ortion.

2. A photographic product containing material, including a photographic reagent, for producing a transformation of an image in said product, said reagent being present in an amount sufficient to effect said transformation, said product comprising a first liquid-confining element including at least a photosensitive portion capable of hav ing an image formed therein upon photoexposure, a second liquid-confining element, a rupturable containing means holding a liquid, said liquid being in an amount sufficient for transforming an image in said photosensitive portion, and means connecting together said elements and said containing means, said elements as connected being so displaced, relative to one another, that said photosensitive portion can be exposed without obstruction by said second element and said containing means is unable to release its liquid for spreading between said photosensitive portion and said second element, said connecting means comprising a leader which slidably extends through a slit in one of said elements and through a slit in the containing means and which is so connected to the other of said elements as to be able to pull said other element together therewith, said connecting means being capable of sliding said photosensitive portion into superposition with said second element and of locating said containing means for releasing its liquid content between said photosensitive portion and said second element, said liquid, upon permeation of said photosensitive element, rendering said transforming material effective to transform an image in said photosensitive portion.

3; A photographic product containing material, including a photographic reagent, for producing a transformation of an image in said product, said reagent being present in an amount sufiicient to effect said transformation, said product comprising a first liquid-confining element including at least a photosensitive portion capable of having an image formed therein upon photoexposure,

a second liquid-confining element, a rupturable containing means holding a liquid, said liquid being in an amount sufficient for transforming an image in said photosensitive portion, and means connecting together said elements and said containing means, said elements as con- I nected being so displaced, relative to one another, that said photosensitive portion can be exposed without obstruction by said second element and said containing means is unable to release its liquid for spreading means comprising a leader which slidably extends through a slit in one of said elements and which is so connected to the other of said elements as to be able to pull said other element together therewith, said container being mounted upon one of said elements, said connecting means being I capable of sliding said photosensitive portion into superposition with said second element and of locating said containing means for releasing its 5 liquid content between said photosensitive portion and said second element, said liquid, upon permeation of said photosensitive element, rendering said transforming material effective to transform an image in said photosensitive por- 5,,

tion.

4. A photographic product containing material, including, a photographic reagent, for producing a transformation of an image in said product, said reagent being present in an amount sufficient to effect said transformation, said product comprising a first liquid-confining element including at least a photosensitive portion capable of having an image formed therein upon photoexposure, a second 1iquid-confining element, a rupturable containing means holding a liquid, said liquid being in an amount sufiicient for transforming an image in said photosensitive portion, and means connecting together said elements, said elements as connected being so displaced, relative to one another, that said photosensitive portion can be photoexposed without obstruction by said second element, said connecting means comprising a leader which slidably extends through a slit in one of said elements and is afiixed to the between said photosensitive portion and said second element, said connecting other of said elements,

said container being mounted upon one of said elements, said connecting means being capable of sliding said photosensitive portion into superposition with said second element and of locating said container for releasing its liquid content between said photosensitive portion and said second element, said liquid, upon permeation of said photosensitive element, rendering said transforming material effective to transform an image in said photosensitive portion.

5. A photographic product containing material including a silver halide developer for developing an image in said product, said product comprising a first liquid-confining element including at least a photosensitive silver halide portion capable of having a latent image formed therein upon photoexposure, a second liquidconfining element, a rupturable containing means holding a liquid, said liquid being in an amount sufiicient to render said silver halide developer effective to develop a latent image in said photosensitive portion, and means for connesting together said elements and saidcontaining means, said elements as connected being so displaced, relative to one another, that said photosensitive portion can be exposed without obstruction by said second element and said con taining means is unable to release its liquid for spreading between said photosensitive portion and said second element, said connecting means comprising a leader which slidably extends through a slit in one of said elements and through a slit in the containing means and which is so connected to the other of said elements as to be able to pull said other element together therewith, said connecting means being capable of sliding said photosensitive portion intosuperposition with said element and of locating said containing means for releasing its liquid content between said photosensitive portion and said second element, said liquid, upon permeation of said photosensitive portion, renderingsaid developer effective to develop a latent image in said portion.

6. A photographic pr duct'containing material including a silver halide developer for developing an image in said product, said product comprising a first liquid-confining element ineluding at least a photosensitive silver halide portion capable of having a latent image formed therein upon photoexposure, a second liquid-confining element, a rupturable containing means holding a liquid, said liquid being in an amount sufficient to render said silver halide developer effective to develop a latent image in said photosensitive portion, and means for connectingtogether said elements and said containing means, said elements as connected being so dislaced, relative to one another, that said photosensitive portion can be exposed without obstruction by said second element and said containing means is unable to release its liquid for spreading between said photosensitive portion and said second element, said connecting means comprising a leader which slidably extends through a slit in said elements and which is so connected to the other of said elements as to be able to pull said other element together therewith, said container being mounted upon one of said elements, said 21 tween'said photosensitive portion and said second element, said liquid, upon permeation of said photosensitive portion, renderingsaid developer effective to develop a latent image in said porltion.

'Z. A photographic product containing material, including a silver halide developer, 'for developing a latent image in said product and for :forming a transfer print of said latent image,

said product com-prising a first liquid-confining element including at least a photosensitive silver halide portion capable of having a latent image formed therein upon photoexposure, a second liquid-confining element, a rupturable containing means holding a liquid, said liquid being in an amount suihcient to develop a latent image in said photosensitive portion, and means for connecting together said elements and said containing means, said elements as connected being so displaced, relative to one another, that said photosensitive portion can be exposed without obstruction by said second element and said containing means is unable to release its liquid for spreading between said photosensitive portion and said second element, said connecting means comprising a leader which slidably extends through a slit in one of said elements and through a slit in the containing means and which is so connected to the other of said elements as to be able to pull said other element together therewith, said connecting means being capable of sliding said photosensitive portion into superposition with said second element and of locating said containing means for releasing its liquid content between said photosensitive portion and said second element, said liquid, upon permeation of said photosensitive portion, rendering said transforming material efiective to develop a latent image in said photosensitive portion and to form a transfer print of said image on said second element. I

8. A photographic product containing material, including a silver halide developer, for developing a latent image in said product and for forming a transfer print of said latent image, said product comprising a first liquid-confining element including at least a photosensitive silver halide portion capable of havin a latent image formed therein upon photoexposure, a second liquid-confining element, a rupturable contain- 5 ing means holding a liquid, said liquid being in an amount sufiicient to develop a latent image in said photosensitive portion, and means for connecting together said elements and said containing means, said elements as connected being so displaced, relative to one another, that said photosensitive portion can be exposed without obstruction by said second element and said containing means is unable to release its liquid for spreading between said photosensitive portion and said second element, said connectin means comprising a leader which slidably extends through a slit in one of said elements which is so connected to the other of said elements as to be able to pull said other element together therewith, said container being mounted upon one of said elements, said connecting means being capable of sliding said photosensitive portion into superposition with said second element and of locating said containing means for releasing its liquid content between said photosensitive portion and said second element, said liquid, upon permeation of said photosensitive portion, rendering said transforming material efiective to develop "22 a latent image in said photosensitive portionrand to form a transfer print of said image on said second-element.

9. The product of claim 1 wherein the leader is affixed to the photosensitive elem'en't and-slit! ably extends through 'a slit in the second element and the containing means is mounted on said seeondlement.

10. The product of claim 1 wherein *the leader is affixed to the second element and slidably em tends through a slit in the photosensitive element.

11. The product of claim 10 wherein the containing means is mounted upon the photosensitive layer.

12. The product of claim 1 wherein the connecting means comprises a pair of transversely spaced leaders secured to the second element adjacent the edges of said second element, said leaders extending through a pair of slits in said photosensitive element 13. The product of claim 12 wherein the containing means is mounted upon the photosensitive element.

14. The product of claim 2 wherein the leader is ailixed to the photosensitive element and slidably extends through a slit in the containing means and through a slit in the second element.

15. The product of claim 1 wherein means are provided on said photosensitive element and on said second element, said means being adapted to engage one another to limit the slidable movement of said elements relative to one another.

16. A composite photographic film assemblage comprising a photosensitive silver halide layer, an area on said photosensitive layer adapted to be exposed to actinic light, an image-receiving layer, a container releasably confining a liquid composition including at least a solvent for a silver halide developer, said assemblage including a silver halide developer, a leader connected to said photosensitive layer and also connected to said image-receiving layer, said leader extending through an opening in one of said layers and being so attached to the other of said layers as to pull the latter toward said one layer when drawn through said opening, and engaging means associated with one of said layers for engaging the other of said layers when said exposed area is properly superposed upon said imagereceiving layer and said container is positioned to release its contained liquid between said two layers.

17. A composite photographic film assemblage comprising a layer of silver halide emulsion, an opaque base for said photosensitive layer, an opaque image-receiving layer, a container releasably confining a liquid composition including a solution of a silver halide developer, said assemblage including a leader fixedly connected to said photosensitive layer and slidably extending through an opening in said image-receiving layer, engaging means on said image-receiving layer, and means on said photosensitive layer for engaging said first-named engaging means to hold said layers against further relative movement in response to the movement of said leader, an area on said photosensitive layer adapted to be exposed to actinic light, said engaging means being so related to said layers that when said means are engaged said layers are superposed, said container being secured to a portion of said imagereceiving layer adjacent said engaging means, said liquid composition being capable, when spread'ibetween said layers, of laminatingsaid layers together into a substantially light-impervious laminate, and also being capable of at least developing a latent image in said photosensitive layer.

18. The product of claim 1 wherein the leader slidably extends through a slit in one of said elements and through a slit in the containing means and is connected to the other of said elements.

EDWIN H. LAND.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS OTHER REFERENCES Clerk (Photography Theory and Practice 2nd ed.) (1937) published by Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons. New York (page 127). 

1. A PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCT CONTAINING MATERIAL, INCLUDING A PHOTOGRAPHIC REAGENT, FOR PRODUCING A TRANSFORMATION OF AN IMAGE IN SAID PRODUCT, SAID REAGENT BEING PRESENT IN AN AMOUNT SUFFICIENT TO EFFECT SAID TRANSFORMATION, SAID PRODUCT COMPRISING A FIRST LIQUID-CONFINING ELEMENT INCLUDING AT LEAST A PHOTOSENSITIVE SILVER HALIDE PORTION CAPABLE OF HAVING AN IMAGE FORMED THEREIN UPON PHOTOEXPOSURE, A SECOND LIQUID-CONFINING ELEMENT, A RUPTURABLE CONTAINING MEANS HOLDING A LIQUID, SAID LIQUID BEING IN AN AMOUNT SUFFICIENT FOR TRANSFORMING AN IMAGE IN SAID PHOTOSENSITIVE PORTION, AND MEANS, INCLUDING A LEADER, CONNECTING TOGETHER SAID ELEMENTS AND SAID CONTAINING MEANS, SAID ELEMENTS, AS CONNECTED, BEING SO DISPLACED RELATIVE TO ONE ANOTHER THAT SAID PHOTOSENSITIVE PORTION CAN BE PHOTOEXPOSED WITHOUT OBSTRUCTION BY SAID SECOND ELEMENT AND SAID CONTAINING MEANS IS UNABLE TO RELEASE ITS LIQUID FOR SPREADING BETWEEN SAID PHOTOSENSITIVE PORTION AND SAID SECOND ELEMENT, SAID LEADER EXTENDING SLIDABLY THROUGH AN OPENING IN ONE OF SAID ELEMENTS AND BEING SO ATTACHED TO THE OTHER OF SAID 